GEORDIE duo Ant and Dec were turned away from an exclusive VIP bash in their home city, it was claimed last night.

Managers at the exclusive Malmaison Hotel, on Newcastle's Quayside, came under fire after the stars failed to get into the tickets-only after-party of The Match.

When the TV presenters turned up with family and friends shortly before midnight, members of their group were refused entry.

General manager Seamus Coen said he invited Ant and Dec to come in, which they did, although he said they left shortly afterwards.

But witnesses said the duo had not gone in and chief executive of Initial TV Malcolm Gerrie, who produced The Match, was furious at the alleged snub.

Mr Gerrie, from Sunderland, said: "We fought very hard to get this show made in the North-East and to have two sons of Newcastle turned away just beggars belief. I'm not sure whether this event will be held here next year."

Stars including Zoe Ball and celebrities who had played in The Match were at the VIP night, but guests Steve Unsworth and Paul Chowdhury were also turned away.

Company director Mr Unsworth, 57, of Westerhope, Newcastle, said: "We don't mind so much for us, but to have real stars like Ant and Dec, who made it such a good night last year, turned away is awful."

Mr Coen said: "Ant and Dec were not turned away, but they were in a group who wanted to come in with them. They were in a group and we couldn't let them in on health and safety grounds."